Dear Dr. Fulbright,
I’m a 54-year-old man, divorced and dating again, and find that older women who are into menopause or post-menopause have different attitudes about sex and their own sexuality.  When I was a teen, I was the “hunter.” Now, in middle age and single, I find myself being “the hunted.”  Women who can no longer have children also seem to be more sexual now in their later years. Your thoughts?  —Mark

Dear Mark,
There are a couple of major things going on when it comes to older women being seemingly more “aggressive” with their sexual relationships. First, with some widowed or divorced women, their quest is to find a partner for their later years. In some cases, there is the need or hope for financial support. For others, fear of loneliness is a driving factor. Knowing that the pickings get slimmer with every passing year, they’re going to be that much more assertive with the men they come across.

Second, between education, media programming, and simply the times, many older women are embracing their sexuality as never before. They’re not afraid to see themselves as sexual — and flaunt it. They love the fact that they no longer have to worry about getting pregnant, PMS, menstruation, birth control or raising children. In so many ways, they’re free when it comes to responding to their sexual urgings.

Do you have a question about sex? If so, foxnewshealth.com wants to hear from you! E-mail your questions to drmanny@foxnews.com

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Your child will likely face many transitions in her life, but entering middle school, high school, and college are undoubtedly three of the biggest. Each brings the possibilities of new friendships and experiences but also more independence and autonomy which, as most parents know, is not always a smooth road for young adults.

The key is to remember that they are just that — young adults — and now is the time to start preparing your child for the challenges and situations she will surely face throughout her life. Balancing a social life and daily responsibilities as well as money management are keys to a successful future and supporting your child as she develops these skills is important. Make sure she knows you are always there to offer guidance and use these tips as your child transitions through three of the most crucial times in her educational and social development.

Middle School:

Assist with summer reading
Your middle school student will likely be tested on his summer reading when he returns to school in September. Help set a weekly goal for summer reading then step back and allow him to follow through. Earning extra allowance or earning an extra half hour on curfew one night may motivate your child to get his work done, but if you have an agreement and he breaks it, it is important that he not get the reward. While this may seem harsh, it is a great lesson in following through for your middle school student. Middle school teachers are looking for your child to complete work independently and there are consequences for not doing so. His grades could be lowered or he could have to stay after school to complete work. Setting up a system where your child is reinforced for completing work without you hounding him will get him ready for more responsibilities come September.

Strengthen the lines of communication
Your middle school student is about to enter a socially-challenging time. Middle school often proves to be students least favorite years in school, as children’s bodies, preferences, and attitudes are changing and peers are quick to judge. While girls tend to use more verbal or non-verbal approaches and boys tend to use more physical means, bullying is common at this age in both genders. Clearly- and often- remind your child that you are there to listen. Knowing that Mom or Dad is a phone call away is very comforting for a child who is entering young adulthood and unsure of her steps. Repeatedly tell your child that you are proud of her, you love her, and that you are always there for her. Although children at this age often don’t seem to be listening, they are. Make sure you let her know she can count on you and she may just call in that favor.

High School:

Set clear expectations for social outings
This is again a time when your child is likely to test his boundaries and break the rules you have set. Be clear on what you expect of him, whether it be a curfew, who he is allowed to be in the car with, or where he is permitted to go. Some parents offer a half hour added to curfew each school year. Whatever your rules are, be clear on them and the consequences of breaking them. If you say he is going to be grounded for a weekend if he breaks curfew, then he needs to be grounded if he comes home late. If your child knows you are serious, he is going to consider his choices with you in mind. If he knows you are going to bend the rules or change them midway through, he is going to see what he can get away with. Be clear, be firm, and be proud when he follows the rules!

Help choose extra-curricular activities
High school is a time when children try different sports, clubs, or activities in an effort to establish their own identity. Make sure your child understands the time commitment involved in each club or sport she is interested in and how this will affect her studies. The workload in high school is often more time consuming than middle school and this may be a difficult adjustment for her. Most coaches or advisors will have meetings in the beginning of the year to give important information out, such as schedules of practices and games, financial commitments, and expectations for the season. Get a copy of any paperwork handed out and review it with your child. Decide on activities that allow study time and some down time, which is often neglected during these years.

College:

Pack Up!
Many home goods stores and department stores now have generic packing lists for incoming college freshman. This is a great starting point so you don’t miss out on important items, like a shower caddy, flip flops, and a bathrobe. (As any college sophomore will tell you, these items are life savers, especially for co-ed dorms!) Also, have your child contact the housing department at his college to see if there are any larger items he will need to bring, such as a microwave or a small refrigerator. Most schools have clear rules on what is allowed in dorm rooms and many offer rentals of such equipment at a reasonable fee. There is much to be said of having the comforts of home while away for the first time!

Encourage your child to be a savvy saver
One of the biggest pitfalls of college students in America today is the credit card. The average student comes out of college carrying between $3,000 and $7,000 worth of credit card debt, in addition to an average $21,000 in student loans. Encouraging your child to have a summer job and save money to use during the semester may help him avoid applying for and overusing a credit card. You may want to consider having one for your child with a low limit for emergencies but speak to him about the dangers a credit card can bring. Using cash is still the best way to go for a young adult away from home for the first time as it lowers the temptation to overspend.

Throughout each of these transitions, remember to praise your child for all the good things he does and all the ways he makes you proud. Surely he won’t get through middle school, high school, or college without a few missteps, but being there to support him will certainly guide him in the right direction.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Michael Jackson’s sudden death by cardiac arrest is less shocking than the slow, but steady demise of his soul, which turned him into a music machine fueled by addictions to drugs, money, possessions, fame and plastic surgery.  As my friend and fellow journalist Josh Resnek has remarked, Jackson’s body died at 50; the rest of him died much younger.

Jackson’s life story is a cautionary tale about what happens when a child is deprived of his core self.  That deprivation likely stemmed from what Jackson himself described as the physical and psychological brutality of his father Joe, who reportedly whipped him and verbally abused him and monetized his talents from age 10 through endless rehearsals and performances of The Jackson 5.  Now Joe is planning a big, public funeral for his twice-dead son, keeping him on the stage even after he is gone from this earth.

Jackson’s first, long, tortuous death was a gradual stopping of his metaphorical heart—the heart of a boy harnessed to a father’s tyrannical plans to enslave him.  It left him uncertain whether anything at all was authentic about him, whether there was anything whatsoever he could embrace as the truth. 

He was forever ambivalent about his race, bleaching or otherwise altering his skin tone to appear Caucasian. 

He was forever ambivalent about his facial structure, undergoing plastic surgeries until his nose seemed in danger of falling off his face, his chin became a caricature of the kind with a cleft he must have admired on other people’s faces, and his jaw line became a haunting skeletal representation of just how dead he really was inside.

He seemed forever ambivalent about his gender, because he could not claim even that as his own, morphing from tough guy to girl in appearance and garb. 

He seemed ambivalent about his age, living in an amusement park he built, with zoo animals on display.  Could he have actually missed the fact that he was a caged animal himself, thrilling crowds with his exotic movements and appearance? 

He may have been ambivalent or twisted about what pleased him sexually, given his habit of inviting young boys into his bed and his history of having paid out $20 million to settle a child sexual molestation suit.

He staged sham marriages and “fathered” children who appeared wearing carnival masks in public—all part of the show.  He dangled his baby boy over a railing for his fans, in what may have been the starkest representation of how he felt his own life had ended shortly after birth. 

The distance between a man’s mind and his core self — his soul — is the breeding place for anxiety and depression.  And Jackson apparently tried to contain those unwieldy emotions in the predictable ways — drugging himself by acquiring possessions and trying to shut up the long-dying person inside him with opiates and tranquilizers.  Then the truth asserted itself in the final way it sometimes does.  It stopped his heart suddenly, when, for all intents and purposes, it had not been beating (not for real) for decades.

Communicating with your children can be a daunting task, whether you are trying to impart morals and values on them or simply trying to get information about the date of the school concert. One parent says she feels “like we speak different languages!” The most common complaint from parents about communicating with their children? Asking “How was school?” and getting “Good” in return. If you’re laughing because you’ve had that interaction before, use these tips for opening up the lines of communication between you and your child.

Spend time together every day
This may mean sitting together for dinner, watching a TV show together, or saying a prayer as a family before bedtime. Any time your child feels connected to the whole family his feelings of trust and security are strengthened. Time spent traveling in the car doesn’t count! Although we are all very busy, find a few moments to sit face to face with your family and talk about the day’s events.

Schedule individual time
Scheduling “Mom and Child” or “Dad and Child” time allows your more reserved child an opportunity to open up. It gives you a chance to really attend to your child’s body language and facial expressions, which can often relay more than just her words can. Scheduling one on one time shows that you value your child’s individuality and are willing to take time out to give her your undivided attention.

Stay current
You don’t need to watch Saturday morning cartoons each week or lock the radio on the pop station you dislike, but keep in touch with your child’s interests in music, television, and fashion. The less you know about your child’s day-to-day activities, the more distant a figure you are for him. This also gives you an opportunity to monitor the appropriateness of what they are viewing and may lead to more discussions. Remember to give him some personal freedom- hovering can drive children to become more withdrawn.

Share your problems
For example, say you made plans to go to a movie with one friend but forgot and made plans to go for coffee with another friend the same day. Ask your child to help you problem solve. Who should you reschedule with and what should you say? Never give specific examples or use names; we know children have trouble keeping secrets and you don’t want your business all over town. You can also share problems you had when you were a child. This shows your child that everyone has decisions they struggle with and makes you more relatable in their eyes.

Keep a diary
Have a journal in which you and your child can write notes to each other. You can have a special hiding spot so only the two of you know where it is. This prevents the temptation for siblings to sneak information that was not meant to be shared. You can write happy thoughts like “I thought about our last vacation today” or questions like “How are you feeling about Friday’s math test?” This gives your child the chance to think about her response or ask difficult questions she may not want to ask in person.

Whenever opening a conversation with your child ask specific questions, such as “What was your least favorite thing you did at school today?” or “Tell me one friend you played with today.” A lot of things happened at school today; asking for one detail allows your child to recall a specific event and may allow the conversation to expand.

Having open communication does not mean you are your child’s friend. You are still the parent and you still have to discipline when they make poor choices. The idea is that open communication offers your children the opportunity to share their problems with you and look to you as someone who can help them make good decisions.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Millions of parents across the country face the tough decision of whether or not to place their children in daycare each year. As the number of families with both parents working outside the home has risen, the need for daycare services has increased dramatically. These families may not have relatives that live close by or are able to care for their children. Others families may have a parent that works from home but needs uninterrupted time to complete work. Many daycare centers offer full day versus half day or full week versus partial week options, priced accordingly. This allows each family to match the daycare’s services with their needs.

Daycare, however, is debated among parents, health care providers, and educational professionals. Some support daycare, saying it offers socialization and educational opportunities a child would not have staying at home with a parent or a relative. Others claim those who use daycare services are allowing others to raise their children and have abandoned their responsibilities as a parent. Like any controversial issue, there are arguments for both sides. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of sending your child to daycare.

Pros:
Independence- Children who separate from their parents early and have a positive experience at daycare learn to trust that Mom and Dad will leave but they always come back. In addition, these children become confident in their own skills and thus, more self-reliant.

Socialization- Even with siblings, you can’t match the opportunities for social interaction that a child has at daycare in the home. Your child will be placed in a class with children close in age and have opportunities to play and negotiate with peers each day. Nicole, of Northvale, New Jersey, says she toyed with the idea of keeping her one and 2-year-old home with an in-home caretaker because they had each other to play with. “Even though they are young, I see them argue. I made the right decision-it’s good for them to have time apart and play with other children at day care.”

Academic Advantage- Many daycares provide some form of instruction or exposure to academic concepts. Calendar concepts, time concepts, letters, and numbers are all explored during circle time each morning. Many daycares offer music classes and art projects, exposing your child to a variety of experiences. Your child will learn to follow a schedule and the structure will prepare her for school.

Cons
Increased Exposure to Illness- One parent, Lynn of Harrison, New Jersey, reports her children have come down with more illnesses since they started daycare this past September. Lynn works to provide health benefits for her family of five as well as to supply a second income and time off from her job does not bode well for her paycheck. “My job allots a certain number of sick days for staff and I’ve used all those days and more. Now my pay is being docked every time I call out because one of my kids is sick. I feel like I have to choose between my kids and my job; of course I’m going to choose my kids.” She still worries about her job security because of her absences from work. Lynn also cites seeing other children come in to daycare despite being sick. “Not all parents call out from work and stay home with their kids like I do.”  This leads to the spread and recurrence of illnesses in young children and staff.

Less Quality Time with Parents- Naturally, if you are working during the day, you are going to miss quality time with your child. All parents know, time away from your children cannot be regained. Danielle of Park Ridge, New Jersey, says “There are days my daughter comes home with beautiful art projects and I wish I had been the one to sit and paint it with her.”

Exposure to Poor Behavior- We cannot shield our children forever, but it is certainly discouraging to see children pick up poor habits from peers at daycare. From as early as 18 months, your child may mimic others’ words and actions. If a child at daycare is not speaking nicely to peers and staff, or worse, exhibiting aggressive behaviors such as biting or hitting, your child may see this as a way to gain staff’s attention. Communicate with the staff immediately if you see behaviors in your child that you did not see before daycare. Remember to approach staff as a concerned parent without accusing other children, families, or staff.

Whether you are comfortable with your decision to utilize daycare services or you are still apprehensive, there are a few ways to ensure you choose the right daycare. The best way to choose a daycare is to ask friends for references. Happy children often equal happy parents. If many parents in your community are sending their children to the same daycare facility, put it at the top of your list. Visit each prospective daycare and ask about safety protocol. Ask if there is a nurse on staff and if staff are CPR-certified. Also, ask how children with behavioral difficulties are handled. Whether your child is having a hard time adjusting to the new routine or is witnessing other challenging behaviors, you want to make sure staff approaches these situations with care and concern.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Many parents across the country are looking to support their child’s educational experience in any way they can. Often times, this means hiring a tutor to work one-on-one with your child. There are many reasons for seeking educational support outside the regular school day. Your child may be having a difficult time in one subject area or he could be struggling in all subject areas across the board. Your child may learn best from a specialized means of instruction, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. Many parents hire tutors to maintain their child’s academic skills over the summer, or to have a leg up on the upcoming school year. These tips can be used to choose a tutor for a child with any academic or social needs.

Click here to watch a video on ABA therapy.

• Ask your child’s principal to recommend someone on staff. This ensures that the person has a valid state teaching certification and classroom experience. The principal also has a good feel for his or her staff’s personalities and may recommend someone who he or she thinks is a good match for your child.
• Check the potential tutor’s credentials. Ask for a resume, even if you know he/she is a classroom teacher. You should look to see if he/she has spent a long time at one school, which signifies he/she has developed good working relationships with staff and students.
• Ask for references. Anyone who is confident in his/her skills and has had positive relationships with other families will be more than happy to have you speak with past clients.
• Set up an interview, even if you only have one candidate. You want someone who is articulate and communicates well. He or she will be helping your child with a subject that is challenging — so you want him or her to communicate effectively. There are many bright people with great credentials who have difficulty explaining their area of expertise.
• Once you’ve chosen someone, have them work in a common space in your home. Listen to how he or she works with your child. Listen to his/her tone — see if he or she gets frustrated when your child has a difficult time. Staying close-by gives you an opportunity to observe without being intrusive.

Tutors can be expensive. Check with local colleges to see if they offer free or low-cost tutoring given by students in the education program. Many education programs require students to practice the instructional strategies taught in class. This type of tutoring is beneficial because education students are typically very eager to apply these strategies correctly and gain hands-on experience. Professors may observe the tutoring sessions and give the education student feedback on how to improve their work with your child. It’s like having two tutors for the price of one!

Before your child begins working with his new tutor, ask his classroom teacher for specific topics the tutor should cover. Teachers are often grateful to have support reviewing topics at home because of the time constraints in school.

Once the tutoring has begun, check in with the tutor after each session. Ask specific questions, like “What did she have the most trouble with?” or “Is there something I can review with her during the week?” This gives the tutor an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and feel like a part of her educational team.

Give the tutor and your child time to establish a relationship. Keep in mind, this person may be new to your child and it may take time for him to feel comfortable. By the third or fourth session, they should be settling into a routine and working well together. Also remember, this person is working on subjects that are challenging for your child. Your child may not jump for joy when it’s tutoring time, but he should sit down willingly.

Finding someone to work with your child at home may feel challenging, but using these tips will speed up the process and ensure you find a good match for your child’s needs.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Everyone can remember their first day at a new school; the nerves that undoubtedly built as you entered a strange building, stared at a sea of unfamiliar faces, and struggled to establish new friendships. Your child will surely face these same fears as she enters her new school, but fortunately there are things you can do to ease her stress and facilitate a smooth transition.

There are many reasons for a change in schools. Some parents are unhappy with their child’s placement and seek a new experience more in sync with his needs. Some simply graduate and move on to the next school in their district. With job losses still climbing in the U.S., some families are relocating to a new city for job opportunities and a fresh start.

While it’s best to transfer schools at the start of a new academic year, when everyone else is learning the new routines as well, some moves cannot be avoided and must take place mid-year. If the change is scheduled for the fall, you can still start preparing your child now. These tips will help you whenever the move is scheduled.

• Be clear about why your child is changing schools. Ensure her that she did nothing wrong and that the move is meant to bring her more positive experiences. Give her warning about when the change will take place. Marking it on the calendar gives a clear visual for the timeline of the transition.
• Fill out all necessary paperwork in a timely fashion. Being called down to the office is an embarrassing moment for a child and keeping these distractions to a minimum will help him focus on his work. Completing health forms are especially important because many schools mandate all medical forms be complete in order to participate in any physical activity. Your child could be isolated and unable to participate in gym class, causing more stress.
• Contact the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Become an active member and use this opportunity to network with other parents. This gives you a chance to get to know the families you will be spending time with and will lessen your apprehension when your child asks for a playdate at a new friend’s house. It also shows you are excited to join the school’s community.
• Visit the school while it is in session and also at least once in the summer. Your child will have the chance to meet teachers, students, and other staff when they are present. Visiting in the summer gives your child time to “wander” around and learn her way without the stress of a crowd.
• Write a story together. Make your child the main character and have him generate ideas for the plot. Pose the question: “What type of things do you think might happen on the first day at your new school?” You can discuss situations that may cause anxiety and the appropriate way to handle them. This type of role-playing prepares your child for new interactions and gives him a script to fall back on. Always end the story on a positive note, for example, “James was so happy to meet children who like basketball, just like him!”
• Make sure your child has closure at her old school. Have a going-away party with her friends to celebrate the big move. Give her an address book so she can write down her friends’ contact information and have the option of keeping in touch once the move has happened.

As always, keep an open line of communication between you and your child as the transition begins. Ask questions like “Tell me your favorite thing about your new school” or “What is one thing you miss about your old school?” Talking about the change helps your child make it through the transition successfully.

Also, check with the school social worker and see if they have a “buddy” system for new students. Having a buddy show them around the first few days helps your child feel comfortable and she won’t have to worry about having someone to sit with at lunch.

If you see your child is still having a hard time adjusting four to six weeks into the new school experience, touch base with the school guidance counselor. Establishing a connection with an adult in school gives your child a place to share his anxieties or concerns during the day. The guidance counselor may be able to facilitate some productive interactions between peers in your child’s class, as well as work with the staff in the school to support your child

Stay positive! Show your child that you are making an effort to adjust to the new school routine as well and help her see this is an exciting journey for the whole family!

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Dawn Drexel, the mother of missing teen Brittanee Drexel, told WHEC News 10 in Rochester, N.Y. that she believes her daughter may have been kidnapped or may not be alive.

Brittanee, 17, has been missing since April 25 when she went to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for spring break.

Brittanee’s mother is no longer a stranger to the darkest possible chapter in a parent’s life story: the feared or actual loss of a child.

I have worked with several parents who have survived their own children. I have struggled with them against tides of grief that seem never to recede, but simply to become more expected, so they lose the power to sweep these bereaved mothers and fathers off their feet.

Losing a child lays bare the miraculous connections that can hold families together through thick and thin. No matter how contentious the relationships mothers and fathers may have with their children, the bond between them can’t be reproduced or entirely obliterated. At the ages of 50 and 60 (and older), my patients still want to make sense of the way they related to their parents in childhood, young adulthood and beyond. They are still sons and daughters, even if they have lost their parents.

So Dawn Drexel, brave enough to speak to the media at an unspeakable moment, may wander tonight into Brittanee’s room. Maybe she’ll lie down on her daughter’s bed, maybe she’ll let herself smell her daughter’s pillow. She may think she hears Brittanee’s footsteps or voice or her car pulling into the driveway. That’s no surprise when we consider the sounds of togetherness that come to play like music in the backgrounds of our daily lives, sounds that we stop hearing after a while, maybe because we take them for granted, maybe because no parent’s heart could maintain its rhythm while bearing full witness to the unspeakable, unfathomable beauty of one’s own child. We don’t hear a tenth of what we could, if we thought the music might end.

For those of you reading these words  — the lucky parents out there with children still close enough to hug, I hope you’ll give it a try tonight. Sit for a few minutes and listen to the sounds of your children in the house: their footsteps, their fingers clicking keys on a computer, the opening and closing of their closet doors, their voices on the phone and their breathing as they sleep. Let yourself marvel at the fact that your life has spawned another life and that you have the continuing, rare and wonderful opportunity to shape not only your existence, but that of another human being. Let yourself smile at the thought of their favorite toys (if they’re still young enough), their favorite clothes, the posters on their walls, their best friends, the sports they’ve come to enjoy, the hopes and dreams they’ve embraced.

Stay silent a minute longer. Then close your eyes, think about Dawn Drexel and her missing daughter Brittanee and pray for them both.

I’m going to do that right now. My children are asleep, a few dozen feet away from me. I am a lucky man and I know it.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His newest book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement. Check out Dr. Ablow’s website at livingthetruth.com.

As cases of swine flu are reported each day, the realization that your community could be affected begins to set in. While government officials make it clear there is no need for panic, it does not hurt to err on the side of caution and consider the possible repercussions of this illness hitting home. The solutions for dealing with school-based clusters of swine flu seem simple: Close the school for proper cleaning, make sure ill students are evaluated and treated, then, re-open the school.

Approximately 400 schools in the United States have closed due to outbreaks in their districts. As every parent and educator knows, any time spent away from the classroom is time lost. In the spirit of being prepared, here are some tips for continuing your child’s education at home should schools in your community close for any length of time.

• Keep a consistent schedule for your child. Have him wake up as if it were a typical school day and structure the day with a variety of activities. Have work sessions before and after lunch. Make sure bedtime remains consistent as well. Keeping a routine will make sliding back into a normal school week much easier.
• Read every day. Your child can read aloud to you or a sibling or she can read silently. Students who are not reading independently can have books read to them by family members. Students in grades K-3 should read for 20 minutes each day, students in grades 4-8 should read for 30 minutes, and high school students should read for 30-45 minutes. Consider other opportunities for reading, such as reading the local newspaper and having a family discussion on local and national events.
• Utilize the same online worksheet generators teacher use! Finding age-appropriate worksheets is only a click away. Type the content area keywords, such as third grade fractions worksheets, into any search engine and choose worksheets from the many options that pop up. Be aware that many websites are free, but some charge a small fee. There are plenty that are available free of charge so there is no need for you to spend your money on a service that could potentially only be needed for a few days.
• For a science activity, make a chart to monitor the weather each day. Your child can watch the news or search on-line to get the local forecast. Record daily temperature, humidity, precipitation, and pollen count. Your child can print out pictures of rain, sun, and clouds and glue them to each day’s report.
• Bring gym class to your backyard. Play a game of basketball, walk around the block or have family relay races. If you’re stuck with a rainy day, pop in a workout DVD. Make exercising a family affair and you could develop a new healthy habit!

Remember to speak to your child about proper hygiene. Health experts suggest covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, washing your hands and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. These are all good habits to continue regardless of the type of illness spreading around.

Talk to your children about the realities of the flu. Most people, if treated timely and appropriately, recover with no complications. Setting the tone for a calm reaction to a potentially scary situation will help your child understand how the swine flu is affecting people all over the world.

Many school administrators are being proactive in sending letters home and posting information on their Web sites. Since the school nurse and principal are likely inundated with questions and concerns, take an informal poll of the parents in your child’s class and submit a list of questions from the class. Acting as a spokesperson will help continue the flow of information between state officials, schools and parents.

Whether or not swine flu affects your community, consider this an opportunity to be prepared!

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

There may be two months left before school lets out, but now is the time to start planning your child’s summer activities. Many people long for the days when a parent opened the front door in the morning, wished their child a good day, and got a happy (often slightly dirty) child in return at the end of a long, hot summer day.

There are a number of reasons this occurs less often these days, including a heightened awareness or rise in crime, children’s need for structure, and parents taking a more active role in educating their children. Summer is now seen as a time for cognitive as well as physical growth and offers two solid months to prepare your child for the upcoming school year.  Whatever your reason for sending your child to summer camp, there are a few things you should consider before sending in your payment.

• Decide what you are looking for in a camp. Does your child need academic reinforcement or opportunities for social exchange? Is your child ready for sleep-away camp or is a day camp more appropriate? Identify your child’s needs first, then look for the camp that fits your criteria. The number of available camps can be overwhelming, so choose the one or two of the most important criteria, and then match your needs to what the camps offer. For example, if your child has special needs, finding staff that is trained in supporting those needs will be the most important criteria. If your child is struggling with reading, finding a camp that matches your school’s approach to reading should be high on your list of criteria. Sending your child to a camp just because his friends are attending does not guarantee a positive experience.
• Once you’ve identified what you are looking for in a camp, ask other parents for references.  As specific questions about the camp such as the price, length of day, and staff-to-camper ratio. Also ask questions like “If you could change one thing about this camp, what would it be?” or “Why do you feel comfortable sending your child here?” Ask the camper about her experience as well. Ask who is her favorite staffer and why, what is her favorite activity, and if she would change camps and why or why not. Getting others’ opinions does not ensure your child’s experience will be flawless but it will give you information about the camp not found in the brochure.
• Once you have narrowed down your search, visit the camps that have made your final list. Pay attention to how the counselors interact with the campers and how the children respond. Spend a significant amount of time at the camp (at least 2 hours) so you can observe different types of activities, transitions between activities, and see all of the facilities. Ask to see the cafeteria, the bunks, the nurse’s station, the pool, and any other spaces your child will be using. Ask about important protocols, such as how a child reports an injury and gets treated, the camp’s emergency response plan (for a camp-wide crisis such as fires or responding to an intruder), and how and when your child can contact you. These questions will help you feel more confident in sending your child to someone else’s care and gives you time to discuss the procedures with your child.
• If you choose an academic camp, speak with your child’s current teacher as well as the teacher he will have in the fall. Some camps have forms they will ask you or your child’s teacher to fill out regarding current academic progress and areas that need support. Make sure your child is staying on target by asking for weekly reports from camp and work samples. Ask for activities you can do with your child at home to strengthen the camp-school connection. 

Remember to prepare your child for the camp they will be attending. Be clear about the activities they will be participating in and be sensitive to their concerns. Most children will be apprehensive about doing academic work during the summer, so remember to schedule some fun family activities and play dates as well.

Cost can be another factor in choosing a camp. Some camps or community organizations offer scholarships. Don’t be embarrassed to ask the camp director about the possibility of financial assistance.

Choosing the right camp for your child can create a lot of pressure for you and your spouse. Allow your child’s needs to guide you as you search for the right summer experience for her. Remember, camp is supposed to be an enjoyable and memorable time so don’t forget to pack bug spray, plenty of clothes, and a camera as you send her on her way this summer!

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.